Tag: habits

Day 24 of the 7-40 Challenge: Aligning Your Vision with Unwavering Effort

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friend. Welcome to Day 24 of my 7-40 Challenge. We’re knee-deep in this journey now, and honestly, it feels both exhilarating and exhausting. For those just tuning in, this challenge is all about building seven daily habits over extended periods—40-day increments that give me enough time to really grind through the reps and see what sticks.

I’m 64 days in at this point, and for the most part, I’ve held strong. Sure, life has thrown its curveballs these past two months—fast and furious doesn’t even cover it. But amid the chaos, I’m genuinely thankful for the progress I’ve made. There are days when I stare in the mirror and question if anything’s changed at all. Sound familiar? I know I’m not alone in that nagging doubt, and that’s exactly why I keep pushing forward.

Yesterday, I dove into a new audiobook: Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David. Man, this guy’s framework for success as a businessperson, entrepreneur, or really anyone chasing big goals is spot on. He’s all about strategic thinking, and his first “move” hits right at the core: understanding who you are and what you truly want.

One quote from the book really resonated with me, so I wanted to share it:

“If someone is winning at a higher level than you are, you either need to lower your expectations to match your current work ethic, or increase your work ethic to exceed your own expectations. If you do neither, you will be miserable. So one way or the other, you have to have expectations that match your work ethic to achieve the vision that you have set out for yourself.”

Boom. That one really made me think. It’s from his chapter on clarifying your desires, and it ties into another gem: “Your vision must align with who you want to be. Your choices must align with your vision, your effort must align with the size of your vision, and your behavior must align with your values and principles.”

Reading this chapter (or listening, in my case) was a message I didn’t know I needed. For years, I’ve toyed with the idea of going full entrepreneur mode—starting something from scratch, being my own boss. But if I’m brutally honest, that’s not the path for me right now. I love the thrill of entrepreneurial adventures, but I want them alongside my current career, not instead of it. At least for the foreseeable future.

Beyond that, I’ve always craved more success, more impact, more me. Yet, I’ve skimped on defining what that actually looks like. Who do I want to be? What do I want to achieve? There were times early in my career when I’d get frustrated watching others climb faster. I’d feel competitive, like I’d earned my spot, but things didn’t always move at my pace. Looking back, though, it all lines up with Bet-David’s wisdom: My achievements matched my effort. When I locked in on clear goals and poured in the work, promotions, raises, and recognition followed. When I coasted? Frustration city.

This reminds me of an insight from Thomas Edison, the inventor who embodied relentless hustle: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” It’s a stark reminder that vision without sweat is just daydreaming. Edison didn’t just wish for breakthroughs; he aligned his effort with his ambitions, failing thousands of times before lighting up the world.

Now, in my 40s, I’m at this proverbial crossroads. I’m no longer that wide-eyed 20-something fumbling through. I’ve built a solid career, and I have a decent grasp on my strengths and identity. But it’s time to sharpen that vision—to define the scope of who I want to become in the years ahead. And for me, that’s deeply guided by my faith in God and trusting Jesus Christ to lead the way. As the Bible puts it in Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” That verse has been a anchor for me, reminding me that true alignment comes from surrendering my path to something greater.

It’s wild to think that even now, I’m still essentially asking, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” But here’s the exciting part: I have more tools, experience, and excitement than ever before. I know I can chase those dreams—I just need to get crystal clear, craft a plan, and execute. For too long, fear held me back from that next step. No more. It’s time to move forward with confidence.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” For me, That’s the mindset I’m adopting. Whether it’s habits in this challenge or bigger life moves, it’s about deciding, aligning, and acting.

If you’re reading this and feeling that pull toward clarity or change, join me. What’s one step you can take today to align your vision with your effort? Let’s keep grinding—together.

Until next time, stay strong.

Slow Down to See: Day 21 of the 7-40 Challenge

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 21 of the second round of my 7-40 Challenge. What a day! I crushed a bunch of those “honeydoos” (you know, the to-do list that is a must!), and I’m feeling pretty darn good about it. But beyond checking boxes, I had some deep thoughts today, sparked by a line from Austin Kleon’s Keep Going. So, grab a drink, get comfy, and let’s unpack something that hit me like a ton of bricks.

I’m an audiobook junkie—always “reading” with my ears while I mow the lawn or tackle chores. Sometimes, though, a line stops me dead in my tracks, and I’ve gotta pause, rewind, and let it soak in. That happened today. While listening to Keep Going, Austin dropped this gem: “It’s impossible to pay proper attention to your life if you’re hurtling along at lightning speed. When your job is to see things other people don’t, you have to slow down so that you can actually look.”

I was out back, riding my mower, when those words made me slam on the brakes. I killed the engine, rewound, and played it again. It felt like the something was nudging me, saying, “Hey, you’re onto something here.” See, at my job (which I’ll keep vague for these posts), I deal with data. My role is to make sure the numbers we’re working with are rock-solid, so when we talk about them, we’re crystal clear and confident. Sounds straightforward, but it’s not. It takes time, persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to step back and think critically. My job is literally to spot what others miss—but I can’t do that if I’m racing through my day like it’s a speed trial.

This idea of slowing down isn’t just about work, though. It’s about life. We’re obsessed with speed these days. How fast can I finish this? How quick can I jump to the next thing? If I’m not moving at breakneck pace, am I falling behind? But here’s the thing—Henry David Thoreau once said, “It’s not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” That hits hard. Are we just busy for the sake of speed, or are we busy with purpose? Kleon’s words and Thoreau’s question got me thinking: if I’m hurtling along, I’m not really seeing anything—my work, my relationships, my creativity, my faith.

Picture this: years ago, my wife and I went rafting at the Royal Gorge. That river was life in a nutshell—sometimes calm and peaceful, sometimes a wild ride through rapids. (True story: I got tossed into a rapid called the Wall Slammer, surrounded by rebar-infested waters. Ask me about it over dinner sometime!) In my head, I imagine myself floating down this river on my stomach, head down, barely keeping up. Every now and then, I lift my head just long enough to glimpse my surroundings before plunging back into the current. Months, even years, can pass before I look up again. And when I do, it hits me: time’s flying. Life’s moving so fast, it’s a blur.

Have you ever felt like that? Like you’re just trying to keep your head above water? I know I have. And I bet you have too. So, what do we do? We slow down. We get intentional. We tune in—to the world, to the people we love, to our work, our creativity, and, for me, my relationship with God. Lao Tzu put it perfectly: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” If nature can take its time and still get it done, why can’t we? Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind—it means steering our own course.

Today, as I mowed and mulled over Kleon’s words, I realized I’m already doing some of this right. At work, when I take the time to dig into the data, to really see what’s there, I’m lifting my head out of the river. I’m checking my direction, making sure I’m headed where I want to go. I’m trying to do the same at home, with my family, my creative projects, my faith. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Because if we don’t slow down, we’re just floating along, letting the current drag us wherever it wants. We miss the moments that matter—the beauty, the connections, the purpose.

So, what about you? Are you floating with your head down, letting life pull you along? Or are you lifting your head, taking a good look around, and asking, “Is this where I want to be?”

Thanks for reading, friends. I pray you’re happy, healthy, and well. Let’s keep lifting our heads, slowing down, and steering toward where we truly want to go. See you tomorrow for Day 22 of the 7-40 Challenge!

Day 20 of the 7-40 Challenge: How We Spend Our Days is How We Spend Our Lives

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 20 of my 7-40 Challenge. It’s been a whirlwind of a day around our house—life’s been keeping us on our toes—but the challenge marches on, and I’m thrilled to share that we’re making some solid progress. More than that, though, I’ve got some thoughts brewing from this morning’s reflections that I’m excited to dive into with you. First off, let me just say: thank you for being here, for reading these words. It means the world to me to have you along for this journey.

Lately, I’ve been diving deep into Austin Kleon’s work, and let me tell you, it’s been spot on. I tore through Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work, and this morning, I cracked open Keep Going. These books are like a masterclass in creativity—packed with ideas on how to tap into your creative spark, nurture it, and actually get stuff done. They’re the kind of reads that make you want to grab a pen, start creating, and never stop.

But today, one particular gem stopped me in my tracks. In Keep Going, Kleon quotes Annie Dillard, who said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” I had to put the book down for a minute just to let that sink in. It’s one of those truths that’s so simple yet so profound, it hits you like a ton of bricks. How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Think about that for a second.

Sure, we all have those standout moments—the vacations, the big wins, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that light up our lives. But those are the exceptions. Most of our lives are made up of the everyday, the routine, the habits we fall into. And those daily choices? They’re the building blocks of who we become.

Let’s paint a picture. Imagine waking up every day, grabbing an oversized breakfast, eating a bit too much, and heading out the door already frustrated with your family. You get to work, grumble about your tasks, half-heartedly engage with your team, and let the day slip by in a haze of complaints. Lunch rolls around, and you overdo it again. You’re late to meetings because, honestly, you’re just not that motivated. By evening, you’re rushing home, still carrying that frustration, maybe pouring a drink or two too many, and zoning out in front of the TV until it’s time to crash. Rinse and repeat.

You can see where this is going, right? If that’s your daily pattern, it’s not just a bad day—it’s a bad habit. Over time, those habits stack up, and suddenly you’re looking at a life where your health is shot from overeating and drinking, your relationships are strained because you haven’t prioritized the people you love, and your work is lackluster because you’ve settled for mediocrity. Years down the line, you might look back and realize you’ve missed opportunities, neglected relationships, and become someone you never wanted to be. All because of how you spent your days.

Now, let’s flip the script. Picture this instead: You wake up, lace up your shoes, and get some exercise in—fresh air filling your lungs. You spend a quiet moment reading your Bible, praying, or listening to something inspiring, like a good audiobook. Before you head out, you take a moment to tell your spouse how much they mean to you. At work, you dive into your tasks with focus, respect your teammates, and look for ways to add value. Maybe you even sneak in a walk at lunch, soaking in the gratitude for where you are and what you get to do.

When you get home, you’re excited to see your family. You pour into your kids—telling them you love them, that you’re proud of them, that you’re there to help them become who they’re meant to be. Dinner is a time to connect, to laugh, to enjoy each other’s company. After everyone’s asleep, you carve out a little time for yourself—reading, working on personal goals, or reflecting on the day. You hit the pillow feeling accomplished, knowing you gave it your all.

Can you imagine what weeks, months, or years of that routine would do? It’s not just a good day—it’s a good life. As Kleon puts it, “The trick is to find a way to make the days add up to something.” And I can tell you from experience, this kind of intentional living changes everything. There was a time when I dreaded going to work, when it was tempting to overeat or overdrink. Those days are long gone, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the life I’ve been given. I want to make the most of every moment, every opportunity.

That’s why Dillard’s quote hit me so hard. It’s a wake-up call to choose wisely, every single day. To build habits that align with the person I want to be—someone who loves well, lives well, and inspires others to do the same. Another line from Kleon’s book stuck with me: “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up and do the work.” It’s not about being flawless; it’s about showing up consistently and choosing the things that matter.

So, here’s my challenge to you: take a look at your days. What habits are you building? Are they leading you toward the life you want, or are they pulling you somewhere else? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this quote—“How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” Drop a comment below and let’s keep this conversation going. What’s one small change you could make to your daily routine that might just change the trajectory of your life?

Thanks for joining me on Day 20 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m pumped to see you back here tomorrow for Day 21. Let’s keep choosing the good stuff, the noble stuff, the stuff that makes God smile. Here’s to living with no regrets!

Transforming My Health: Tangible Results of Habits and Hope

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Here we are deep in round 2 of the 7-40 Challenge. Just 60 days ago I embarked on a challenge to build seven daily habits over 40 days, aiming to create momentum and check items off my ever-growing to-do list. If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’ve been focusing on the process—the small, intentional steps that lead to big changes. I haven’t talked much about my weight because, honestly, it’s not the full story. My goal isn’t just a number on the scale; it’s about feeling good, improving my cardiovascular health, and being there for my family in the long haul. As fitness icon Jack LaLanne once said, “Your health account is like your bank account: the more you put in, the more you can take out.” That’s the mindset I’m embracing—one deposit at a time.

Lead Measures vs. Lag Measures: The Game Plan

A while back, I read The Four Disciplines of Execution, and one concept stuck with me: the difference between lead measures and lag measures. Lead measures are the daily actions you control—like exercising for an hour or tracking your calories—that pave the way for long-term results. Lag measures, like weight loss or a lower BMI, are the outcomes that follow. Focusing only on the scale can be frustrating because it’s a lagging indicator. Instead, I’ve been pouring my energy into consistent habits, trusting they’ll lead to the bigger wins.

When I started this challenge, I weighed 299.5 pounds—heavier than I’ve ever been. My goals were broader than weight loss: I wanted a healthier body composition, better cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Sure, a healthy BMI and a trimmer physique would be nice, but feeling vibrant and capable is my true goal. As author Jim Rohn put it, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” That’s the why behind my daily grind.

The Numbers Tell a Story

This morning, I stepped on the scale and saw 283 pounds—a 16-pound drop in about six weeks. That’s impressive, but I’ll be honest: part of me wanted the number to move faster. In the past, I’d get hung up on that frustration, unsure if my efforts were paying off. But this time, I have better tools to see the full picture.

My wife gifted me a Hume pod, a device that measures body composition, fat content, pulse, and more, paired with a Hume band that tracks O2 levels and sleep cycles. These tools have been game-changers, giving me data to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. When I started, my body fat was 31.6%, with 94.6 pounds of fat mass. Today? I’m at 24.6% body fat, with 69.8 pounds of fat mass. That’s a loss of 25 pounds of fat in just over a month and a half. Even more exciting, my lean mass has increased by nearly 10 pounds. The scale might say “16 pounds down,” but my body is transforming in ways I didn’t expect so quickly.

A Wake-Up Call and a Win

One metric hit me hard: the Hume pod calculates your metabolic age. My first reading pegged me at 54 years old—disturbing, considering I’m only 47. But today, my metabolic age is down to 39. In just 60 days, I’ve shaved 15 years off my metabolic age! That’s not just a number; it’s proof that the habits I’m building are working.

This journey has shown me that transformation isn’t about being perfect or hitting some arbitrary goal weight. It’s about showing up every day, making choices that align with the life you want, and trusting the process. Sixty days—nine weeks—have brought me further than I thought possible. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m so much closer than I was.

A Message of Hope

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re too far gone, let me tell you: as long as you’re breathing, you have a chance to change your story. Every small choice—every workout, every healthy meal, every restful night—adds up. This journey has been a wake-up call and an encouragement to me, and I hope it inspires you too. Tomorrow marks round 2 day 20 of my challenge, and I’m excited to keep going, one habit at a time.

Thank you for joining me on this ride. Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to share more tomorrow.

Finding My Rhythm: How Movement Unlocks Creativity and Productivity

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

For the longest time, I bought into the classic image of productivity: a focused worker hunched over a keyboard in a quiet room, grinding away at their craft. I thought that was how great ideas were born—through sheer willpower and a stationary setup. But then I started noticing something: my best ideas, those electrifying “aha” moments that feel like lightning striking, rarely came while I was glued to my desk. Instead, they arrived when I was out walking, breathing fresh air, and letting the rhythm of my steps stir my thoughts.

It wasn’t an overnight revelation. For years, I tried to force myself into that stereotypical mold of the solitary, desk-bound thinker. But over time, I discovered that my brain thrives on motion. There’s something about the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other—feeling the sunlight on my face, the breeze in my hair—that unlocks a clarity I can’t find in a chair. It’s as if physical movement shakes loose the cobwebs in my mind, turning vague ideas into sharp, actionable plans. And it’s not just my thinking that benefits. When I move, I feel better—mentally sharper, emotionally lighter, and physically energized.

This personal journey has taught me something powerful: finding your rhythm isn’t about cramming productivity into a rigid schedule. It’s about listening to what your body and mind need to spark creativity and sustain energy. For me, that rhythm is tied to movement.

The Case for Moving More

We all know the basics of exercise. Health experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week—roughly three workouts if you’re breaking it down. But I’ve often wondered if those guidelines sell us short. When we’re given a “minimum,” it’s easy to treat it like a ceiling, as if checking that box is enough. Why not aim higher? Why not strive for greatness and see where it takes us? Even if we fall a bit short, we’re still ahead of the bare minimum.

Exercise does more than just keep our hearts healthy. It boosts our mood, sharpens our focus, and enhances our overall well-being. Yet how many of us actually structure our days to harness those benefits? How many of us align our work with how we’re wired as human beings? For knowledge workers like me—whose jobs live in our heads—there’s no need to be chained to a desk. Our work can happen anywhere, with nothing more than a phone or a fleeting thought. Sure, some professions, like police officers, require physical movement to get the job done. But even for those of us in intellectual fields, why cling to outdated models that keep us stagnant all day?

Learning to Move My Way

I used to think creativity required stillness—a quiet room, a blank page, and intense focus. But for me, that setup often led to frustration, not breakthroughs. My mind felt trapped, like it was circling the same ideas without landing anywhere new. Then I started incorporating walks into my routine, and everything changed. The fresh air, the shifting scenery, the steady rhythm of my steps—it all seemed to coax my thoughts into motion, too. Ideas that felt abstract at my desk became concrete plans by the time I returned home. More than that, I felt alive, energized in a way that no amount of coffee or willpower could replicate.

This isn’t about abandoning the office or shirking responsibilities. It’s about flexibility—finding ways to weave movement into your day in a way that works for you. For me, that means regular walks, whether it’s a quick loop around the block during a break or a longer stroll to think through a problem. It’s not just about staying active; it’s about creating the conditions for my best work to emerge.

Wisdom from the Ages

This connection between movement and creativity isn’t new. Some of history’s greatest thinkers have said as much. Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote, “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” Hippocrates, the father of medicine, called walking “man’s best medicine.” Even Thomas Jefferson advised, “Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.” These aren’t just poetic musings—they’re insights grounded in the reality of how our bodies and minds work together. Movement doesn’t just spark creativity; it sharpens focus and anchors ideas in a way that feels almost magical.

Step Outside and Find Your Rhythm

If you’re feeling stuck in your routine, weighed down by the grind of sitting still, I urge you to try something simple: step outside and move. It doesn’t have to be a marathon or a grueling workout—just a walk, a moment to let your body and mind sync up. Pay attention to how it feels, how your thoughts shift, how your energy changes. You might be surprised at what comes to life when you give yourself permission to move.

For me, walking has become more than exercise—it’s a ritual, a way to tap into my natural rhythm and unlock my best ideas. Your rhythm might look different, but it’s out there, waiting for you to find it. Sometimes, all it takes is putting one foot in front of the other and stepping beyond the door.

What’s your rhythm? How does movement shape your thinking or creativity? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!